Trying to spread cheer, Santa in NH scares instead

The Associated Press

Posted:
12/20/2013 08:57:37 AM MST

Updated:
12/20/2013 08:57:38 AM MST

HOLLIS, N.H.—Police in southern New Hampshire say a man dressed as Santa Claus was only trying to spread some cheer but ended up panicking officials when he knocked on school windows and entered the building.

The Nashua Telegraph reports ( http://bit.ly/J1Uxog) that administrators at the Hollis Primary School called police around 10 a.m. Thursday after they saw the man running around the school, tapping on windows and waving at students.

He was buzzed into the building but fled when he saw a look of alarm on a staffer's face.

Other schools and parents were notified and kids were kept inside for recess.

The man has contacted police to say he was only trying to spread "holiday cheer" and didn't mean to cause panic. Police aren't identifying him because he wasn't charged.